PRX to Distribute WABE’s Public Health Program “Health Wanted” to Public Radio Stations Nationwide Beginning in January 2026
The weekly public radio show hosted by Laurel Bristow is a collaboration with Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health
December 9, 2025––WABE, Atlanta’s choice for NPR and PBS, today announced its weekly public health program Health Wanted will be available to public radio stations nationwide through a partnership with Pulitzer-winning public media organization PRX. Health Wanted is hosted by Laurel Bristow, an accomplished infectious disease researcher and science communicator. The show brings listeners need-to-know public health headlines of the week while also breaking down the science behind trending topics.
Health Wanted will be available beginning January 2, 2026 to public radio stations across the United States. PRX serves as distributor and represents the show produced from WABE in the public radio marketplace. The program is a collaboration between WABE in Atlanta and Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, where host Laurel Bristow leads social media science communication to strengthen trust in public health information.
“Sharing trustworthy information on public health is a vital role for public media. It’s an important time to fight disinformation, and we are so proud to partner with the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health to share trust-worthy, science-based information,” said Jennifer Dorian, CEO of WABE. “Listeners will appreciate Laurel Bristow’s entertaining style and excellent communication. We are thrilled that PRX is helping WABE bring this important program to public radio listeners across the country.”
“We’re excited to be working with WABE, a trusted partner in public media, to deliver such vital information across the country,” said Stephanie Kuo, VP of Content at PRX. “Audiences will appreciate Health Wanted’s well-researched episodes, spanning a wide range of public health issues – from COVID-19 to energy drinks – all delivered in a fresh and accessible way. There’s never been a better time to invest in public health education.”
Health Wanted first launched as a podcast and radio program in summer 2024 to convene critical health discussions impacting communities locally, nationally, and across the globe. Recent episodes have spanned timely and enlightening topics including preparing for respiratory viruses such as the flu or COVID, panic surrounding birth rates, workplace safety, how the U.S. food system shapes what we eat, the influence of prescription drug marketing, the surprising history of organ transplants, the importance of sleep, the science of living longer, and beyond. Bristow is also often joined by engaging medical experts, researchers, and peers in pursuit of better health.
In addition to the nationally-available public radio program, Health Wanted remains available free to listeners on-demand as a podcast and is formatted for video on YouTube.
About Laurel Bristow
Laurel Bristow, MSc, is an infectious disease researcher and science communicator. Laurel leads social media science communication at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public health—focusing on promoting and strengthening trust in public health information. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Laurel turned her frontline COVID research work into social media science communication, which helped regularly bring accurate public health information to more than 400,000 people nationwide. The combination of her candor, clear explanations, and expertise in infectious diseases has turned Laurel into a trusted advisor.
About the Rollins School of Public Health
For more than 30 years, Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health has served as a leader in public health education, innovative research, and global collaborations. Ranked No. 2 by U.S. News & World Report, faculty and students regularly partner with organizations within Atlanta and around the world to promote health and prevent disease locally, nationally, and globally. Students gain real-world experience working alongside award-winning faculty and in collaboration with leading public health organizations through applied practice experiences, the Global Field Experience program, and Rollins Earn and Learn. Students can earn a master’s degree, doctoral degree, dual degree, or certificate at Rollins through six academic departments: epidemiology; environmental health; global health; health policy and management; biostatistics and bioinformatics; and behavioral, social, and health education sciences.
About WABE
WABE is Metro Atlanta’s official NPR and PBS affiliate, and the region’s source for original, independent, news and local journalism. For 78 years, we have delivered fact-based, inclusive content that informs, inspires, reflects, and empowers the millions who call the Greater Atlanta area home. WABE is 100% independent, non-profit, and committed to amplifying diverse voices in Atlanta. Our programs, podcasts, and events make Atlanta’s stories accessible and relevant across various platforms for our broad audience. WABE original and national NPR/PBS content is available on WABE 90.1FM, WABE.org, WABE TV (PBS-30), WABE-HD channels, and streaming on the WABE Mobile App, Hulu + Live, YouTube TV, and other major platforms. Go to wabe.org for additional information.
About PRX
Celebrating more than 20 years as a nonprofit public media company, PRX works in partnership with leading independent creators, organizations, and stations to bring meaningful audio storytelling into millions of listeners’ lives. PRX is one of the world’s top podcast publishers, public radio distributors, and audio producers, serving as an engine of innovation for public media and podcasting to help shape a vibrant future for creative and journalistic audio. Shows across PRX’s portfolio of broadcast productions, podcast partners, and its Radiotopia podcast network have received recognition from the Peabody Awards, the Tribeca Festival, the International Documentary Association, the National Magazine Awards, and the Pulitzer Prizes. Visit PRX.org for more.